Housing Options Officer (12 months Fixed Term Contract)

Housing_Options_Officer_-_JDPS_-_June_2026 Candidate_Pack_-_People_Directorate_-_Aug_2026__1_ Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form. Everyone deserves a safe, secure place to live, and as one of our Housing Options Officers, you will play a key role in preventing homelessness and supporting people and families at some of the most difficult points in their lives.

This is a rewarding role where your advice, judgement and compassion can make a lasting difference. You will work directly with residents to understand their circumstances, explore practical housing options and help them take positive steps towards stability, safety and independence. You will see the real impact of your work, whether that means helping someone stay in their home, finding a safer housing option or connecting them with the right support at the right time.  In return, we will give you the support, training and guidance you need to build your confidence and expertise in housing advice and homelessness prevention.

You will have opportunities to develop your casework skills, strengthen your knowledge of housing law and grow your career within a supportive council environment. Any successful internal candidate will be offered the position as a secondment and, in line with Section 8.1 of the Secondment Policy, must consult with their manager before applying. Search ‘secondment policy’ on the intranet for more information.

At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service. This role includes an expectation to work from our Time Square office one day per week, alongside flexible working arrangements.

About you… You will carry out full housing needs assessments, issue statutory notifications and create Personal Housing Plans that help residents understand their options and take practical steps towards securing accommodation. The role offers flexible and agile working, with some face-to-face appointments at Time Square, so you will usually need to attend the office at least once a week. We are looking for someone who is empathetic, resilient and motivated by helping people.

You will be confident building trust, listening without judgement and giving clear, practical advice to residents who may be facing difficult circumstances. You will have a good working knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and experience in housing and homelessness, alongside strong communication, negotiation and organisational skills and the ability to work well with partners together with the confidence needed to manage a varied caseload.

About the team… You will work as part of a friendly, supportive team that values collaboration, practical problem-solving and providing proactive advice and assistance to households experiencing housing difficulties or at risk of losing their home.  You will also work closely with the Rough Sleeper and Single Homelessness Team, supporting our shared ambition to reduce and prevent rough sleeping in Bracknell Forest.

You will work closely with colleagues and partner agencies, including Children’s Services, Adult Social Care, Probation, hospitals and voluntary organisations, to prevent homelessness and support residents with wider needs. Key responsibilities… Provide high-quality housing advice and support to households who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, helping them to sustain existing accommodation or secure suitable alternative housing.

Assess homelessness applications in accordance with the Housing Act 1996 (Part VII), the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Homelessness Reduc